Authorities looking for man who allegedly fed baby ketamine

Authorities looking for man who allegedly fed baby ketamine

TACOMA — Law enforcement officers are looking for a 34-year-old convicted felon who allegedly fed his 5-month-old child the dangerous drug ketamine during an ongoing dispute with his wife earlier this year.

A bench warrant has been issued for Tacoma area resident Scott Rasmus, who faces charges of first-degree child assault and unlawful possession of a firearm.

According to court documents, Rasmus called police on Feb. 9 to his home in the 3500 block of South Monroe Street with reports his car was stolen. But when police arrived, they allegedly found Rasmus sitting in the back seat of the car he reported stolen, with his wife on the porch holding their 5-month old son.

Rasmus’ wife screamed “help me, help me,” when she spotted the police, documents show. When police approached, they noticed the baby she was holding was unconscious and appeared purple, struggling to breathe. He also had a bump on his head and a cut on his jaw.

The child was transported to Mary Bridge Children’s Hospital, and preliminary tests showed he had been given Ketamine — a powerful horse tranquilizer — and opiates.

When police interviewed Rasmus, he told them he had fed the child and put him to sleep an hour before police were called to his house.

But subsequent interviews of Rasmus’ wife and another couple confirmed that Rasmus had grown upset in recent weeks, often turning to drugs and alcohol to treat apparent rage, documents show. He had also hit her, court documents show.

On the night of Feb. 8, Rasmus’ wife went to stay with friends. When she returned home after frantic calls, she allegedly found the baby unresponsive.

Guns were also allegedly found in the home. Since Rasmus is a convicted felon, he is not allowed to posses them.

Though police said they were sure Rasmus had given his child the Ketamine, it took months for a Washington State Patrol test to confirm the substance.